Medicine
-
To investigate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in evaluating spinal epidural adipose tissue compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT scan images and matched magnetic resonance images of total 368 patients between July 2014 and July 2016 were evaluated. Hounsfield units (HU) of epidural fat (EF), dural sac (DuS), ligamentum flavum, bone of facet joints, and paraspinal muscles were measured for comparison. ⋯ Pearson correlation coefficient analyses showed significant positive correlations between CT and MRI measurements; Bland-Altman plots also depicted satisfied agreement. Overgrowth of spinal EF was more commonly found at L2-3 and L3-4 levels in present study, and body weight, age, and gender were significantly associated with amounts of EF both on CT and MRI. The CT scan is a satisfied alternative of MRI for the evaluation of spinal epidural adipose tissue.
-
Osteoporosis is an important cause of bone fractures and even a cause of threaten to the lives of elderly people. Mind-body exercises are beneficial interventions for improving flexibility, controlling body balance, and reducing pain. To assess the effect of mind-body exercise on osteoporosis in aging people, we will perform this systematic review. ⋯ Evidence from this systematic review could be useful for patients, clinical practitioners, and guideline-makers to select an optimum proposal of mild-body exercises for older adults with osteoporosis.
-
Comparative Study
Obesity is a risk factor for preoperative hypoxemia in Stanford A acute aortic dissection.
Obese individuals are apt to develop Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) complicated with acute lung injury (ALI), but the mechanism is still not well defined. We aim to investigate whether oxidative stress and inflammatory are involved in the aortic dissection lung injury caused by obesity. Seventy-nine patients were categorized into AAD with obesity group (n = 17) and AAD without obesity group (n = 62) according to body mass index (BMI). ⋯ Besides, the ICU stay (119.2 ± 59.2 vs 87.8 ± 31.2 h, P < .01) and hospitalization duration (18.8 ± 8.5 vs 14.3 ± 8.1d, P = .048) were increased in the obese patients with AAD. The expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and WBC was remarkably increased (P < .01) in obese group compared with non-obese group. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response may be involved in the process of ALI of aortic dissection caused by obesity, which provides new ideas for the treatment of ALI of the aortic dissection.
-
The aim of this report is to present the technique of selective nerve root blockage combined with posterior percutaneous cervical endoscopic discectomy (PPECD) for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). ⋯ The application of selective nerve root blockage combined with PPECD for CSR could achieve satisfactory effect of position and decompression of the injured nerve root. Besides, we recommend that surgery be performed under general anesthesia to minimize patients' emotional stress and discomfort.
-
Severe and morbid obesity are increasing globally, particularly in women. As BMI increases, the likelihood of anovulation is higher. The primary aim of the EMOVAR clinical trial is to examine, over the short (16 weeks) and medium (12 months) term, the effects of a supervised physical exercise program (focused primarily on aerobic and resistance training) on ovarian function in women with severe/morbid obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery. Secondary objectives are to examine the effects of the intervention on chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life. ⋯ This study will provide, for the first time, relevant information on the effects of exercise training on ovarian function and underlying mechanisms in severe/morbid obese women following bariatric surgery.